When money talks . . . politicians listen

Republican political operatives seem to have a bottomless pit of ingenuity when it comes to finding new ways to pander to the fears and hatreds of its ultra-right-wing base.  They tried to disguise this latest evocation of anti-gay sentiments by calling this a "Protect Our Religious Freedom" bill.

Fearful that this will brand Arizona and hurt them economically, there is widespread business opposition (Chamber of Congress, American, Delta, Southwest, and USAIR;  Apple, American Express, Intel, Pet Smart, several, hotel chains).  Some are even saying it will cost jobs and divert new businesses from locating there.   One convention has already cancelled, and the Superbowl Host Committee was watching closely and considering relocating next year's game.

What's different here in 2014 is that the backlash was swift, and it came from those in power instead of the victims of discrimination and activist protesters.   Gail Collins puts it so well in today's New York Times: 

Maybe we have reached a critical historical juncture. Struggles for human rights always begin with brave men and women who stand up, isolated, against the forces of oppression. But, in the United States, victory really arrives on the glorious day when the people with money decide discrimination is bad for business.

Yes . . . but.     Gail Collins makes a great point about where we have arrived.   But we should not forget how we got here.

Let me remind us all that people with money did not decide discrimination was bad for business until those courageous individuals, and then groups, stood up and demanded their rights.    They are the ones who changed the cultural climate and American attitudes so that discrimination became bad for business.

Ralph